Baffled cross-through liquid container

ABSTRACT

Apparatuses and methods of operating the same are described. An apparatus may include a lower compartment, a baffle, and an upper compartment. The lower compartment may form a lower cavity to hold a liquid. The baffle may include a channel connecting the lower compartment to an upper compartment, where the channel provides a first passageway for liquid to pass between the lower compartment and the upper compartment. The baffle may also include a baffle passage defining an opening through a middle section of the liquid container between the lower compartment and the upper compartment. The upper compartment may form an upper cavity to hold the liquid.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No.62/515,750, filed Jun. 6, 2017.

BACKGROUND

Motorized vehicles and machines often use fossil fuels to power themotorized vehicles or machines. A fuel station, such as a gas station,may provide a location for users of the motorized vehicles and machinesto fill up their motorized vehicles and machines with the fossil fuels.However, the fuel stations may not always be conveniently located oropen when an individual needs the fossil fuels. A portable fuelcontainer, such as a gas can, may be used to by the individual to storefossil fuel and fill up the fuel tanks of the motorized vehicles andmachines without the individual traveling to the fuel station each timeadditional fossil fuels are desired.

SUMMARY

An apparatus that may include a lower compartment, a baffle, and anupper compartment. The lower compartment may form a lower cavity to holda liquid. The baffle may include a channel connecting the lowercompartment to an upper compartment, where the channel provides apassageway for liquid to pass between the lower compartment and theupper compartment. The baffle may also include a baffle passage definingan opening through a middle section of the liquid container between thelower compartment and the upper compartment. The upper compartment mayform an upper cavity to hold the liquid.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A shows a perspective view of a liquid container with athru-baffle, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 1B shows a top cross-sectional view of a liquid container with athru-baffle, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 1C shows a perspective view of a liquid container with athru-baffle, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 2A shows a perspective view of a liquid container with a baffle,according to an embodiment.

FIG. 2B shows a cross-sectional view of the liquid container with hollowbase handles, hollow side handles, hollow upper handles, and hollowbottom handle, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 3 shows a bottom view of the liquid container shown in FIGS. 2A and2B, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 4 shows a top view of the liquid container shown in FIGS. 2A and2B, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 5 shows a side view of the liquid container shown in FIGS. 2A and2B, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 6 shows another second side view of the liquid container shown inFIGS. 2A and 2B, according to an embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The disclosed liquid containers will become better understood throughreview of the following detailed description in conjunction with thefigures. The detailed description and figures provide merely examples ofthe various liquid containers described herein. Those skilled in the artwill understand that the disclosed examples may be varied, modified, andaltered without departing from the scope of the liquid containersdescribed herein. Many variations are contemplated for differentapplications and design considerations; however, for the sake ofbrevity, each and every contemplated variation is not individuallydescribed in the following detailed description.

Throughout the following detailed description, examples of variousliquid containers are provided. Related features in the examples may beidentical, similar, or dissimilar in different examples. For the sake ofbrevity, related features will not be redundantly explained in eachexample. Instead, the use of related feature names will cue the readerthat the feature with a related feature name may be similar to therelated feature in an example explained previously. Features specific toa given example will be described in that particular example. The readeris to understand that a given feature need not be the same or similar tothe specific portrayal of a related feature in any given figure orexample.

Liquid containers, such as gas cans, are an easy way to store andtransport fuel and other liquids. Conventional liquid containers includea single large storage area of the container that may hold a liquid anda single opening to pour the liquid out. However, conventional liquidcontainers may not be easily securable when transporting them. Forexample, many conventional liquid containers may not include a way totie down or strap down the liquid container. When the liquid containermay not be tied down or strapped down, securing the liquid container fortransportation may be inconvenient or difficult and make transportingliquids, such as fuel, dangerous. Some liquid containers may include ahandle that may be used to tie a rope or strap to. However, when therope or strap is attached to the handle, the container may slip alongthe rope or strap and cause the liquid container to be unsecured anddangerous to transport.

Additionally, a conventional liquid container may have a single opencavity to hold a liquid. The open cavity may not control or dampen themovement of the liquid in the cavity when the liquid container is moved.For example, a conventional liquid container may have an unobstructedinterior cavity that allows the liquid in the cavity to move freely sideto side and up and down. Even as the liquid container is tipped to pour,the liquid may gush out of the container's open top, splashing itscontents. Additionally, the unobstructed interior cavity does not meteror control a flow of the liquid as the liquid may be poured out of anopening in the liquid container. When the flow of the liquid is notcontrolled, the rate the liquid leaves the container may exceed adesired rate. Furthermore, a conventional liquid container vents airinto the liquid container through an outflowing stream of the liquid,which slows a flow rate of the liquid as it is poured from the liquidcontainer because the air cannot enter the liquid container at asufficient rate.

The embodiments described herein may address the above-noteddeficiencies by providing a liquid container to control a flow rate ofliquid poured from an opening of the liquid container. The liquidcontainer may include handles, cavities, openings, or baffles to tie orstrap down the liquid container and control a movement of the liquid.

FIG. 1A shows a perspective view of a liquid container 100 with a baffle104, according to an embodiment. Liquid container 100 may store a liquidfor easy transportation and distribution. For example, the liquidcontainer 100 may be a gas can used to store, transport, and distributegasoline or diesel fuel. The liquid container 100 may be metal, plastic,rubber, polyurethane, and so forth.

The liquid container 100 may include a lower compartment 102, a baffle104, an upper compartment 106, and a mouth opening 108. The lowercompartment 102 may include an inner cavity that is shaped to hold avolume of liquid inside the liquid container 100. In one embodiment, thelower compartment 102 may include a base 110. In one example, the base110 may be a flat surface or a substantially flat surface to sturdilysupport the container and any liquid held in the container. In anotherexample, the base 110 may allow the liquid container 100 to standvertically.

In another embodiment, the lower compartment 102 may include lowercompartment walls 112 that may connect to the base 110 and extend upwardfrom the base 110. The base 110 and the lower compartment walls 112 ofthe lower compartment 102 may enclose a first area within the liquidcontainer 100 to hold a volume a liquid. As discussed below, the lowercompartment 102 may be connected to the baffle 104 and the uppercompartment 106 to form a cavity to hold a liquid.

In one example, the lower compartment walls 112 may connect to the base110 at an angle. For example, the wall 112 may include four lower wallsthat extend upwards from the base 110. When the base 110 issubstantially square, the four lower walls may each extend from an edgeof the square base to form a square lower compartment 102. The squarelower compartment 102 may allow the liquid container 100 to stand in avertical position or lay in a horizontal position.

In another example, the lower compartment walls 112 may connect to thebase 110 at substantially perpendicular angles, such as approximately90-degree angle. In another example, one or more of the lowercompartment walls 112 may connect to the base 110 to form roundedcorners.

In another embodiment, the lower compartment walls 112 may extend fromthe base 110 at less than ninety degrees such that the lower compartmentwalls 112 converge inward, allowing the liquid container 100 to hold alower volume of liquid. In another embodiment, the lower compartmentwalls 112 may extend more than ninety degrees such that the lowercompartment walls 112 splay outward, allowing the liquid container 100to hold an increased volume of liquid.

The base 110 and/or the lower compartment walls 112 may include one ormore handles. In one example, the one or more handles may aid a user intransporting the liquid container 100. In another example, the one ormore handles may aid a user in pouring a liquid from the liquidcontainer 100.

The baffle 104 may be connected to the lower compartment 102. The baffle104 may include one or more channels 118 that may provide a conduit forliquid stored in the lower compartment 102 to flow to the uppercompartment 106. Each channel 118 may include a set of channel walls 132that form the conduits. In one example, a bottom of the channel walls132 may be connected to the lower compartment 102 and a top of thechannel walls 132 may be connected to the upper compartment 106. Thechannel walls 132 may be connected to each other at angles. In oneexample, the channel walls 132 may be connected to each other atapproximately 90-degree angles to form a square channel. In anotherexample, the channel walls 132 may be connected to each other atapproximately 45-degree angles to form a triangular channel. In anotherexample, the channel walls 132 may be rounded to form a cylindricalchannel.

The baffle 104 may include a lower sidewall 134 connected to a topportion of the lower compartment 102. The baffle 104 may include anupper sidewall 136 connected to a lower portion of the upper compartment106. The lower sidewall 134 may also be connected to an edge of one ormore of the channel wall 132. The lower sidewall 134 may provide abarrier to the liquid stored in the lower compartment 102 so that whenthe liquid in the lower compartment 102 is poured out of the liquidcontainer 100, the lower sidewall 134 forces the liquid to flow throughthe channels 118. The lower sidewall 134 may also be connected to anedge of one or more of the channel wall 132. The upper sidewall 136provides a barrier to the liquid stored in the upper compartment 106 sothat when the liquid is transferred between the lower compartment 102and the upper compartment, the upper sidewall 136 forces the liquid toflow through the channels 118.

The baffle 104 may include one or more baffle openings 114 with one ormore through-holes or openings between the channels 118 and between thelower wall 134 and the upper sidewall 136. For example, the channels 118may be connected at the corners of the lower compartment 102. A centerof the baffle 104 and spaces between the channels 118, the lower wall134, and the upper wall 136 may be open space. The baffle openings 114may allow for objects to pass through a middle section of the liquidcontainer 100.

The baffle openings 114 may be connected by one or more baffle passages116 to allow objects, such as rope, tie-downs, or a hand, to passthrough the middle section of the liquid container 100. In this exampleembodiment, the baffle 104 may include four baffle openings 114. Thebaffle openings 114 may be circular holes, rectangular holes, squareholes, oblong holes, and so forth. An exterior of the baffle openings114 may be rounded or squared. In one embodiment, the baffle openings114 may each be the same shape or similar shapes. In another embodiment,the baffle openings 114 may be different shapes. The baffle openings 114may be smaller than a peripheral edge of the lower compartment walls 112such that the baffle openings 114 may run along a portion of the edge ofthe lower compartment walls 112, such as between the channel walls 132.

In one embodiment, the baffle openings 114 each connect with each othervia a baffle passage 116. The baffle passage 116 may enclose an areasuch that an object may pass through the baffle passage 116 while beingsurrounded by the baffle passage 116. The baffle passage 116 may includethe lower side wall 134 and the upper sidewall 136, where the lowersidewall 134, the upper sidewall 136, and the channels 130 connect toform the baffle passage 116.

The lower sidewall 134 may connect to the baffle openings 114 locatedaround a perimeter of the lower compartment walls 112 and a perimeter ofthe baffle openings 114. The upper sidewall 136 may connect to thebaffle openings 114 located around a perimeter of the upper compartmentwalls 120 and a perimeter of the baffle openings 114. By connecting thebaffle openings 114 to the lower sidewall 134 and the upper sidewall 136to make a connected baffle passage 116, the baffle passage 116, thelower sidewall 134, and the upper sidewall 136 separate an areacontained within the liquid container 100 which may hold or contain aliquid from an outside area of the liquid container 100.

The number of baffle openings 114 for the baffle passage 116 is notintended to be limiting. In one embodiment, the baffle 104 may includebaffle openings 114 on each side of the liquid container 100. In anotherembodiment, the baffle 104 may include baffle openings 114 on two ormore sides of the liquid container 100 and other sides of the baffle 104may not have baffle openings. 114. For example, the baffle passage 116may connect two baffle openings 114.

The baffle 104 may control a movement of liquid that may be containedwithin the liquid container 100. In one example, as the liquid container100 is moved or tilted at an angle, including being inverted, the liquidwithin liquid container 100 may slosh around or move around irregularly.The baffle 104 may reduce the irregular movement of the liquid tostabilize the liquid container 100 for transportation or pouring of theliquid from the liquid container 100. In another embodiment, when thebaffle 104 reduces the movement of the liquid by metering a rate thatthe liquid is poured from the liquid container 100, reduces the velocitythat the liquid is poured from the liquid container 100.

In one embodiment, as the liquid container 100 is tilted at an angle orinverted while pouring the liquid from the liquid container 100, thebaffle 104 may provide an air passage for air to enter the liquidcontainer 100 as the liquid exits the liquid container 100. For example,as the baffle 104 reduces the flow of liquid as it is poured, thereduced flow provides a gap or space at the mouth opening 108 where airmay flow into the liquid container 100. Additionally, as the baffleforces the liquid stored in the lower compartment 102 to flow throughone or more of the channels 118, the reduced flow of the liquid from thelower compartment 102 may create an air pocket at the upper compartment106 for the air to flow into from the mouth opening 108.

In another embodiment, the baffle passage 116 and baffle openings 114 ofthe baffle 104 provides locations to hold or secure the liquid container100. For example, during transportation of the liquid container 100, arope or tie-down may be inserted into one of the baffle openings 114,through the baffle passage 116, and out another of the baffle openings114. The rope or tie-down may then be secured to another object, such asa truck bed or trailer, or an area a user may desire to secure theliquid container 100 without a risk of the rope or tie-down slippingfree from around the liquid container 100. The baffle passage 116 andbaffle openings 114 may also provide a place for a user to grab and holdthe liquid container 100.

The upper compartment 106 may be connected to the upper sidewall 136 andthe channels 118 of the baffle 104. The upper compartment 106 may beshaped to store and funnel liquid held inside the liquid container 100toward a mouth opening 108 of the liquid container 100. The uppercompartment 106 may include an inner cavity that is shaped to hold avolume of liquid and/or air inside the liquid container 100. The uppercompartment walls 120 may connect to the upper sidewall 136 and thechannels 118 of the baffle 104 and extend upward from the upper sidewall136 and the channels 118 of the baffle 104. The upper sidewall 136 andthe upper compartment walls 120 of the upper compartment 106 may enclosea second area within the liquid container 100 to hold a volume a liquid.For example, the lower compartment 102, the baffle 104, and the uppercompartment 106 may be connected to form an upper cavity and a lowercavity to hold a liquid.

In one embodiment, the upper compartment walls 120 may connect to theupper sidewall 136 and the channels 118 at an angle. For example, theupper compartment walls 120 may include four upper walls that extendupwards from the upper sidewall 136 and the channels 118. In anotherembodiment, the upper compartment walls 120 may connect to the uppersidewall 136 and the channels 118 at substantially perpendicular angles,such as approximately ninety degrees. In another example, one or more ofthe upper compartment walls 120 may connect to the upper sidewall 136and the channels 118 to form rounded corners.

In another embodiment, the upper compartment walls 120 may extend fromthe upper sidewall 136 and the channels 118 at less than ninety degreessuch that the upper compartment walls 120 converge inward, allowing theliquid container 100 to hold a lower volume of liquid. For example, theupper compartment walls 120 may extend at an angle from the uppersidewall 136 and the channels 118 to converge at the mouth opening 108.The mouth opening 108 may be formed to connect with nozzles, lids, orother attachments. In one example, the mouth opening 108 may includethreads to screw the nozzles, the lids, or the other attachments ontothe mouth opening 108. In another example, the mouth opening may includea fastener to attach the nozzles, the lids, or the other attachmentsonto the mouth opening 108. The upper compartment walls 120 may beangled inward from to the upper sidewall 136 and the channels 118 suchthat the upper compartment walls 120 contain less volume as the uppercompartment walls 120 converge. The converging shape of the uppercompartment walls 120 enables liquid contained within liquid container100 to be channeled or funneled toward an exit point or mouth opening108 of the liquid container 100.

The upper compartment 106 may also include one or more upper handles 122to allow a user to grip the liquid container 100. In one embodiment, theupper handles 122 may be integrated into the upper compartment 106. Inone example, an upper handle 122 may have a hollow interior or channel.A first end of the upper handle 122 may connect at a first point alongthe surface of the upper compartment walls 120 into the cavity of theupper compartment 106 that is holding liquid. A second end of the upperhandle 122 may connect at a second point along the surface of the uppercompartment walls 120 into the cavity of the upper compartment 106 thatis holding liquid. In one embodiment, as liquid is poured from the uppercompartment 106 to the mouth opening 108, at least a portion of theliquid may flow through the channel of the upper handle 122. In anotherembodiment, as liquid is poured from the upper compartment 106 to themouth opening 108, at least a portion of the air flowing in from themouth opening 108 may flow through the channel of the upper handle 122.

In one example, one or more of the upper handles 122 may be located onan edge portion 124 where the upper compartment walls 120 connect. Inanother embodiment, the upper handles 122 may be located on the uppercompartment walls 120 themselves. The upper handles 122 may provide alocation to grip the liquid container 100, allowing for easiertransportation and pouring ability.

In one embodiment, the upper compartment 106 may also include air vents126. The air vents 126 may be small, closable or sealable holes locatedalong one or more of the upper compartment walls 120. The air vents 126may provide an opening for air to enter into liquid container 100 as thecontents of liquid container 100 are poured out, allowing for a uniformflow of the liquid.

The mouth opening 108 may be connected to the upper compartment 106. Themount opening may provide an opening in the liquid container to allowliquid on air into or out of the liquid container 100. The mouth opening108 may allow for attachments to affix to the liquid container 100. Theattachments may include a lid to assisting in containing liquid in theliquid container 100, a funnel or spout to assist in filling the liquidcontainer 100 with liquid, or a spout to assist in pouring the liquidout of the liquid container 100. In one example, the mouth opening 108may be a small, round opening in the container, where the mouth opening108 includes outer threads to attach the attachments. In anotherexample, the mouth opening may be large opening to enable an increasedamount of fluid or air to enter or exit the liquid container. In anotherexample, the mouth opening 108 may be square shaped, rectangularlyshaped, polygonal shaped, and so forth. In one example, the lowercompartment 102, the baffle 104 and the upper compartment 106 may form asubstantially square or rectangular liquid container 100. In anotherexample, the lower compartment 102, the baffle 104 and the uppercompartment 106 may form a substantially cylindrical liquid container100 or another polygonal shaped liquid container 100.

FIG. 1B shows a top cross-sectional view of the liquid container 100with the baffle 104, according to an embodiment. Some of the features inFIG. 1B are the same or similar to some of the features in FIG. 1A asnoted by same reference numbers, unless expressly described otherwise.The baffle 104 may include the passage baffle openings 114, the channels118, the channel walls 132, and the passage 116.

In one embodiment, one or more of the channels 118 may provide a pathwayfor fluid to travel from the lower compartment 102 to the uppercompartment 106. In another embodiment, one or more of the channels 118may provide a pathway for air to travel from the mouth opening to theupper compartment 106 and/or the lower compartment 102. In anotherembodiment, one or more of the channels 118 may store air or fluid. Inanother embodiment, one or more of the passage baffle openings 114 mayprovide a space for a rope or tie down to pass through the liquidcontainer 100 to secure the liquid container 100. In one example, thepassage baffle openings 114 and the passage 116 may form a t-shaped openspace where the channels 118 may be located at the corners of the baffle104. The shape of the baffle 104 is not intended to be limiting. Forexample, the baffle 104 may form a y-shape with 3 channels 118 and ay-shaped passage 116.

FIG. 1C shows a cross-section view of the liquid container 100,according to an embodiment. Some of the features in FIG. 1C are the sameor similar to some of the features in FIGS. 1A and 1B as noted by samereference numbers, unless expressly described otherwise. The liquidcontainer 100 may store a liquid. For example, the liquid container 100may store gasoline or diesel. When the liquid is poured from the liquidcontainer 100 to another liquid container, such as a fuel tank, theliquid container 100 may be positioned on its side for pouring. As theliquid pours out of the liquid container 100, the liquid may flowthrough one or more passageways 138, 140, and 142 of the liquidcontainer 100 to exit a portion of the mouth opening 108. For example,the liquid container 100 may include a first passageway 138 that extendsfrom the lower compartment 102, through a first channel 148 of thebaffle 104 at a bottom side of the liquid container 100, through anopening between the upper handles 122, and through the mouth opening 108to a liquid exit 144. In another example, the liquid container 100 mayinclude a second passageway 140 that extends from the lower compartment102, through a fourth channel 155 of the baffle 104 at a top side of theliquid container 100, through the opening between the upper handles 122,and through the mouth opening 108 to the liquid exit 144.

The upper handles 122 may include a first handle 152 and a second handle154. The first handle 152 may be integrated into the liquid container100 and provide a first passage for liquid between the first handle 152and a first inner surface 156 of the liquid container 100. The secondhandle 154 may be integrated into the liquid container 100 and provide asecond passage for liquid between the second handle 154 and a secondinner surface 158 of the liquid container 100. The first passage of thefirst handle 152 and/or the second passage of the second handle 154 mayprovide additional baffles for the liquid container 100. In anotherexample, the liquid container 100 may include a third passageway 142that extends from the lower compartment 102, through the first channel148 of the baffle 104 at the bottom side of the liquid container 100,through a passage of the second handle 154, and through the mouthopening 108 to the liquid exit 144.

As the baffle 104, the first handle 152, and/or the second handle 154meter a flow of the liquid as it exits the mouth opening 108, the liquidmay flow through a first portion of the mouth opening and provide asecond portion of the mouth opening for air to flow into the liquidopening via an air entrance 146. In one example, the liquid container100 may include a fourth channel 150 that extends from the mouth opening108, through the first passage of the first handle 152 to the uppercompartment 106 and/or the lower compartment 102 of the liquid container100. In another example, the liquid container 100 may include a fifthchannel 153 that extends from the mouth opening 108, between a passagebetween the first handle 152 and the second handle 154, to the uppercompartment 106 and/or the lower compartment 102 of the liquid container100. The arrangement and number of channels and passages are notintended to be limiting. For example, the liquid container 100 mayinclude four handles that provide four passageways around the handles.In another example, the liquid container 100 may not include the baffle104 and only the handles 152 and 154 to provide baffles for the liquidcontainer 100.

FIG. 2A shows a perspective view of a liquid container 200 with a baffle272, according to an embodiment. Some of the features in FIG. 2A are thesame or similar to some of the features in FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 1C as notedby same reference numbers, unless expressly described otherwise. Theliquid container 200 may include the lower compartment 102, the baffle272, the upper compartment 106, and the mouth opening 108. The liquidcontainer 200 may store a liquid for transportation and distribution.The baffle 272 of the liquid container 200 may control or meter themovement of the liquid and allow for securing of the liquid container200.

The lower compartment 102 may be shaped to allow the liquid container200 to hold a volume of liquid inside. The liquid container 200 may beshaped to enable the liquid container 200 to stand in a verticalposition or lay in a horizontal position. For example, the lowercompartment 102 may include a substantially square base 110 to allow theliquid container 200 to stand vertically. The base 110 may provide aflat or substantially flat surface to sturdily support the liquidcontainer 200 and any liquid held in the liquid container 200. In oneembodiment, the lower sidewalls 264 of the lower compartment 102 and theupper sidewalls 266 of the of the upper compartment 106 may besubstantially flat and connect at approximately 90-degree angles so thatthe sides of the liquid container 200 are square and the liquidcontainer 200 may be laid on its side when storing the liquid or whenthe liquid is poured from the mouth opening 108.

In another embodiment, the lower sidewalls 264 of the lower compartment102 and the upper sidewalls 266 of the upper compartment 106 may beconcave or curved and connect at approximately 90 degree angles so thatthe sides of the liquid container 200 are square and the liquidcontainer 200 may be laid on its side when storing the liquid or whenthe liquid is poured from the mouth opening 108. The convex or curvedlower sidewalls 264 of the lower compartment 102 and the upper sidewalls266 of the convex or curved upper compartment 106 may enable the liquidcontainer 200 to be laid on its side on an uneven surface. For example,when a surface that the side of the liquid container 200 is laid on hasmounds, objects, protrusions, or divots, the concave or curved surfaceof the liquid container 200 may remain stable because the surface of theside of the liquid container 200 may not contact the mound, object,protrusion, or divot.

In another embodiment, an edge 268 formed between the base 110 and thelower compartment walls 112 may be curved, forming a concave edge. Theconcave portion of the edge 268 may extend along the edge 268 or aportion of the edge 268. The concave portion of the edge 244 may beshaped to conform to the contours of a leg, arm, or shoulder.Additionally, the concave portion of the edge 268 may assist intransporting or securing the liquid container 200 from slipping whenbeing poured or tilted.

The liquid container 200 may include a baffle 272. The baffle 272 mayinclude baffle openings and a baffle passage similar to the bafflepassage 116 and the baffle openings 114 in FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 1C. In oneembodiment, the baffle 272 may include a first baffle opening 274 and asecond baffle opening 276 that are on opposite side surfaces of theliquid container 200 and a baffle passage that extends between thebaffle openings 274 and 276 to provide an exterior through channel toput ropes or tie downs through when securing the liquid container 200.

The liquid container 200 may include one or more base handles 270, sidehandles 262, or upper handles 122. In one embodiment, the base handles270, side handles 262, and/or upper handles 122 may be solid andattached to the liquid container 200.

In another embodiment, the base handles 270, the side handles 262,and/or the upper handles 122 may be hollow and attached to the liquidcontainer 200. In one example, the hollow base handles 270, the sidehandles 262, and/or the upper handles 122 may provide additional storagecavities within the handles for liquids. In another example, the hollowbase handles 270, the side handles 262, and/or the upper handles 122 maybe baffles to control a movement of the liquid as the liquid is storedin the liquid container 200 or meter the liquid as the liquid is pouredfrom the liquid container 200, as discussed below. In another example,one or more of the base handles 270, the side handles 262, and/or theupper handles 122 may be solid handles and one or more of the basehandles 270, the side handles 262, and/or the upper handles 122 may behollow. The number of handles and the location of the handles is notintended to be limiting.

FIG. 2B shows a cross-section view of the liquid container 200 with onehollow base handle 246, the side handles 248, the upper handles 250, andthe bottom handle 255, according to an embodiment. Some of the featuresin FIG. 2B are the same or similar to some of the features in FIGS.1A-1C and 2A as noted by same reference numbers, unless expresslydescribed otherwise.

In one embodiment, the base handle 270 may be a handle integrated into abottom surface of the liquid container 200. In another embodiment, theside handles 262 may include a first side handle 278 and a second sidehandle 280 that are along surfaces opposite to the baffle passage andbaffle openings 274 and 276. The upper handles 122 may include a firstupper handle 282 and a second upper handle 284.

When the liquid is poured from the liquid container 200 to anotherliquid container, such as a gasoline tank, the liquid container 200 maybe positioned on its side for pouring. As the liquid pours out of theliquid container 200, the liquid may flow through one or more channelsaround the base handle 270, the first side handle 278, the second sidehandle 280, the baffle 272, the first upper handle 282, and/or thesecond upper handle 284 of the liquid container 200 to exit a portion ofthe mouth opening 108.

As the base handle 270, the first side handle 278, the second sidehandle 280, the baffle 272, the first upper handle 282, and/or thesecond upper handle 284 meter a flow of the liquid as it exits the mouthopening 108, the liquid may flow through the liquid exit 144 of themouth opening 108 and provide a second portion of the mouth opening forair to flow into through the air entrance 146.

The base handle 270, the first side handle 278, the second side handle280, the first upper handle 282, and/or the second upper handle 284 maybe set in a concave portion of the liquid container 200. In oneembodiment, the base handle 270, the first side handle 278, the secondside handle 280, the first upper handle 282, and/or the second upperhandle 284 may also act as other baffles by interrupting or dampeningthe free flow of liquid that may be contained within the liquidcontainer 200. In another embodiment, passageways between one or more ofthe base handle 270, the first side handle 278, the second side handle280, the first upper handle 282, and/or the second upper handle 284 mayprovide paths for the fluid to exit the liquid container 200 as theliquid is poured and other passageways between the one or more of thebase handle 270, the first side handle 278, the second side handle 280,the first upper handle 282, and/or the second upper handle 284 mayprovide paths for the air to enter the liquid container 200 as theliquid to poured.

The paths of the fluid or the air via the passageways of the liquidcontainer 200 are not intended to be limiting. In one example, when theliquid container 200 is completely full, the liquid may flow out via allof the passageways. In another example, as the liquid container 200empties or is only partially full of liquid, the liquid may flow out viaone or more of the passageways and air may flow in via one or more otherpassageways.

FIG. 3 shows a bottom view of the liquid container 200, according to anembodiment. Some of the features in FIG. 3 are the same or similar tosome of the features in FIGS. 1A-1C and 2A-2B as noted by same referencenumbers, unless expressly described otherwise.

The base 110 may include one of the base handles 270 to assist intransporting the liquid container 200 and pouring the contents of liquidcontainer 200. In one example, the base handle 270 may be located on abottom surface of the base 110. The base handle 270 may be located in aconcave portion 378 of the base 110 such that the base handle 270 may besubstantially flush with the base 210, so as to not jut out andcompromise the stability of the liquid container 200 when set on thebase 110. The number of base handles 270 is not intended to be limiting.For example, the liquid container 200 may include multiple base handles270 or a single base handle 270.

FIG. 4 shows a top view of the liquid container 200, according to anembodiment. Some of the features in FIG. 4 are the same or similar tosome of the features in FIGS. 1A-1C and 2A-2B as noted by same referencenumbers, unless expressly described otherwise. The liquid container 200may include the first upper handle 282 and the second upper handle 284.The first upper handle 282 may be located along a surface of the uppercompartment 106. The first upper handle 282 may include a first concaveportion 486 for a user to insert a hand and grab the first upper handle282. The second upper handle 284 may be located along the surface of theupper compartment 106. The second upper handle 284 may include a secondconcave portion 488 for a user to insert a hand and grab the secondupper handle 284. The first upper handle 282 and the second upper handle284 may be substantially flush with the surface of the upper compartment106 so as to not jut out from the surface of the upper compartment 106.

FIG. 5 shows a side view of the liquid container 200, according to anembodiment. Some of the features in FIG. 5 are the same or similar tosome of the features in FIGS. 1A-1C and 2A-2B as noted by same referencenumbers, unless expressly described otherwise. As discussed above, aconcave portion of the edge 268 may extend along a portion of the edge268 or a portion of the edge 268. The edge 268 may be shaped to conformto the contours of a leg, an arm, or a shoulder. Additionally, the edge268 may assist in transporting or securing the liquid container 200 fromslipping when being poured or tilted.

The liquid container 200 may include the first side handle 278 or thesecond side handle 280 to assist in transporting the liquid container200 and pouring the contents of the liquid container 200. The first sidehandle 278 or the second side handle 280 may be located on a sidesurface of the liquid container 100. The first side handle 278 or thesecond side handle 280 may include a concave portion 590 for a user toinsert a hand and grab the first side handle 278 or the second sidehandle 280. The first side handle 278 or the second side handle 280 maybe substantially flush with the side surface of the liquid container 200so as to not jut out and compromise the stability of the liquidcontainer 200 when set on its side.

The upper compartment 106 may include the first upper handle 282 or thesecond upper handle 284 along the upper compartment 106 to assist intransporting liquid container 200 and pouring the contents of the liquidcontainer 200. The first upper handle 282 or the second upper handle 284may be located on the side surfaces of the upper compartment 106. Thefirst upper handle 282 or the second upper handle 284 may includeconcave portions 592 for a user to insert a hand and grab include thefirst upper handle 282 or the second upper handle 284. The first upperhandle 282 or the second upper handle 284 may be substantially flushwith the upper compartment 106 so as to not jut out and compromise thestability of the liquid container 200 when set on its side.

The upper compartment 106 may be shaped to store and funnel liquid heldinside the liquid container 200 toward the mouth opening 108 of theliquid container 200. The upper compartment 106 may extend at an anglefrom the lower compartment 102 to converge at the mouth opening 108. Theupper compartment 106 may be angled inward from the lower compartment102 such that the upper compartment 106 may store less volume as theupper compartment 106 converges towards the mouth opening 108. Theconverging shape of the upper compartment 106 may enable liquid storedwithin the liquid container 200 to be channeled or funneled toward themouth opening 108 of the liquid container 200.

FIG. 6 shows a side view of the liquid container 200, according to anembodiment. Some of the features in FIG. 6 are the same or similar tosome of the features in FIGS. 1A-1C and 2A-2B as noted by same referencenumbers, unless expressly described otherwise. The baffle 272 may be abaffle to help control or slow the movement of liquid that might be heldin the liquid container 200. Further, the baffle 272 may allow forobjects to pass through a middle section of the liquid container 200.The baffle 272 may include one or more baffle opening 274 which may beconnected by one or more passages to allow object like rope, tie-downs,or a hand to pass through a center or middle portion of the liquidcontainer 200. In one example, the baffle opening 274 may be a roundedrectangular opening. In another example, the baffle openings 274 may becircular openings, squared rectangular openings, square openings, oblongopenings, or polygonal shaped openings. In one example, the baffleopenings 274 may be the same shape. In another example, the multiplebaffle openings 274 may be different shapes.

The disclosure above encompasses multiple distinct inventions withindependent utility. While each of these inventions has been disclosedin a particular form, the specific embodiments disclosed and illustratedabove are not to be considered in a limiting sense as numerousvariations are possible. The subject matter of the inventions includesall novel and non-obvious combinations and sub-combinations of thevarious elements, features, functions and/or properties disclosed aboveand inherent to those skilled in the art pertaining to such inventions.Where the disclosure or subsequently filed claims recite “a” element, “afirst” element, or any such equivalent term, the disclosure or claimsshould be understood to incorporate one or more such elements, neitherrequiring nor excluding two or more such elements.

Applicant(s) reserves the right to submit claims directed tocombinations and sub-combinations of the disclosed inventions that arebelieved to be novel and non-obvious. Inventions embodied in othercombinations and sub-combinations of features, functions, elementsand/or properties may be claimed through amendment of those claims orpresentation of new claims in the present application or in a relatedapplication. Such amended or new claims, whether they are directed tothe same invention or a different invention and whether they aredifferent, broader, narrower or equal in scope to the original claims,are to be considered within the subject matter of the inventionsdescribed herein.

1. A liquid container comprising: a lower compartment comprising: abase; a plurality of lower compartment walls connected to the base, thebase and the plurality of lower compartment walls forming a lower cavityto hold a liquid; a baffle comprising: a lower sidewall connected to theplurality of lower compartment walls; an upper sidewall connected to aplurality of upper compartment walls of an upper compartment; a firstchannel comprising a first set of channel walls connecting the lowercompartment to the upper compartment at a first location, wherein thefirst channel provides a first passageway for liquid to pass between thelower compartment and the upper compartment; a second channel comprisinga second set of channel walls connecting the lower compartment to theupper compartment at a second location, wherein the second channelprovides a second passageway for the liquid to pass between the lowercompartment and the upper compartment; a baffle passage defining a firstopening, a second opening, and a third passageway between the lowersidewall, the upper sidewall, the first channel, and the second channel,the third passageway providing being passage for an object to pass fromthe first opening to the second opening through a section between thelower compartment and the upper compartment; and the upper compartmentcomprising a plurality of upper compartment walls connected to the uppersidewall of the baffle, the first channel, and the second channel, theplurality of upper compartment walls forming an upper cavity to hold theliquid.
 2. The liquid container of claim 1, further comprising a handleintegrated into at least one of the plurality of upper compartmentwalls, at least one of the plurality of the lower compartment walls, orthe base.
 3. The liquid container of claim 2, wherein the handle ishollow to provide a fourth passageway for the liquid to pass from afirst portion of the lower compartment to a second portion of the lowercompartment or a first portion of the upper compartment to a secondportion of the upper compartment.
 4. The liquid container of claim 2,wherein the handle is hollow to provide a second baffle to control amovement of the liquid stored in the liquid container.
 5. The liquidcontainer of claim 1, further comprising a mouth opening connected tothe upper compartment, the mouth opening to provide an opening in theliquid container for the liquid to enter or exit the liquid container.6. The liquid container of claim 5, wherein the mouth opening providesan opening for air to enter the liquid container.
 7. The liquidcontainer of claim 1, wherein the baffle is to meter a flow of theliquid exiting the liquid container.
 8. The liquid container of claim 1,wherein the first channel is to provide the first passageway for liquidto pass from the lower compartment to the upper compartment and thesecond channel is to provide the second passageway to pass air from theupper compartment to the lower compartment.
 9. The liquid container ofclaim 1, wherein the baffle passage is shaped to receive a rope ortie-down to secure the liquid container for transportation.
 10. Anapparatus comprising: a lower compartment forming a lower cavity to holda liquid; a baffle comprising: a channel connecting the lowercompartment to an upper compartment, wherein the channel provides afirst passageway for liquid to pass between the lower compartment andthe upper compartment; and a baffle passage defining an opening througha middle section of the apparatus between the lower compartment and theupper compartment; and the upper compartment connected to the channel,the upper compartment forming an upper cavity to hold the liquid. 11.The apparatus of claim 10, further comprising: a first handle integratedinto a first side of the upper compartment, the first handle to providea second passageway for the liquid to pass from a first portion of theupper compartment to a second portion of the upper compartment; and asecond handle integrated into a second side of the upper compartment,the second handle to provide a third passageway for air to pass from athird portion of the upper compartment to a fourth portion of the uppercompartment.
 12. The apparatus of claim 10, further comprising: a firsthandle integrated into a first edge between a first side of the uppercompartment and a second side of the upper compartment, the first handleto provide a second passageway for the liquid to pass from a firstportion of the upper compartment to a second portion of the uppercompartment; and a second handle integrated into a second edge between athird side of the upper compartment and a fourth side of the uppercompartment, the second handle to provide a third passageway for air topass from a third portion of the upper compartment to a fourth portionof the upper compartment.
 13. The apparatus of claim 10, furthercomprising a mouth opening to provide an opening for the liquid to bepoured out of the apparatus, wherein the baffle is to reduce a flow ofthe liquid poured out of the liquid container.
 14. The apparatus ofclaim 14, wherein the mouth opening provides an opening for air to enterthe liquid container and the liquid to exit the liquid container. 15.The apparatus of claim 10, a vent integrated into a surface of the uppercompartment, the vent to provide air into the apparatus.
 16. A liquidcontainer comprising: a lower compartment comprising: a base; and aplurality of lower compartment walls connected to the base, the base andthe plurality of lower compartment walls forming a lower cavity to holda liquid; a baffle comprising: a channel comprising a set of channelwalls connecting the lower compartment to an upper compartment, whereinthe set of channel walls form a first passageway for liquid to passbetween the lower compartment and the upper compartment; and a bafflepassage defining a second passageway through a middle section of theliquid container from a first side of the liquid container to a secondside of the liquid container; and the upper compartment comprising aplurality of upper compartment walls connected to the channel, theplurality of upper compartment walls forming an upper cavity to hold theliquid.
 17. The liquid container of claim 16, further comprising ahandle integrated into the lower compartment or the upper compartment,wherein the handle is substantially flush with a surface of the lowercompartment or the upper compartment.
 18. The liquid container of claim16, wherein the base is substantially flat to provide a surface for theliquid container to stand vertically.
 19. The liquid container of claim16, wherein the plurality of lower compartment walls connect atapproximately 90-degree angles and the plurality of upper compartmentwalls connect at approximately 90-degree angles to form a substantiallyrectangular container for the liquid container to stand horizontally.20. The liquid container of claim 16, further comprising a mouth openingconnected to the upper compartment.